Tag Archives: alternative

REPLAY: UnderDogs Across Borders, Vol. 1

TONIGHT! We’re going live from 7-9 p.m. for the first-ever UnderDogs Across Borders benefit concert. Join us as we present a genre-diverse interstate lineup featuring independent artists from within the Underground Music Collective community.

By supporting UnderDogs Across Borders, you are empowering UMC to open the gateway to even greater collaboration. Your support bolsters UMC’s presence at major conferences and festivals in North America and Europe, while helping us build a stronger, more sustainable music industry that is ripe with fresh opportunities for our artists.

The lineup (in order of appearance):
Virtues
Nicolas Soul
Matt Schmoyer of Powder Valley Bang
Southside MAB
Kfhox

How to attend:

  • In person: Helping Our Music Evolve, 615 Main St., Suite G1, Nashville, TN 37206 (Doors 6:30 p.m.)
  • Virtually (from ANYWHERE!): Our YouTube channel (embed below)

How to support:

On ‘Pretending to Read,’ Amelia Ray Interprets our Everyday Struggles

With nothing more than some jazz-influenced guitar chords and her own stellar powers of observation, Amelia Ray has given us plenty to ponder about the human condition with her new single, “Pretending to Read.”

The new single — released in conjunction with the start of The Interpreter’s Soulveillance Tour — helps us connect and empathize with those spending life’s journey alongside us. Amelia assumes the role of a train passenger who, despite having an open book in front of her, is much more in tune with the plight of her fellow passengers. Smoky vocals and clean, simplistic guitar work help us float thoughtfully between characters and observations, before we come full circle to realize that all of these external distractions are preventing us from truly going inward.

If you want to learn more about Amelia Ray — and see if the Soulveillance Tour is coming to your city — head over here.

If you want to listen to “Pretending to Read” — and we’re sure you do — you can do that below!

LISTEN: Soheill Accepts That We’re ‘Only Human’

We’re all on this spinning space rock together, encountering challenges and getting to know our own imperfections, all while trying to make our way in the world.

Nashville-based atmospheric rock artist Soheill captures the spirit of our existence with “Only Human,” a thought-provoking, atmospheric ballad about the ways our individual battles tie together the greater story of our collective existence.

“‘Only Human’ is a reflection on vulnerability and self-acceptance, embracing the imperfections that make us who we are,” Soheill said. “The song explores the rawness of being human, acknowledging our flaws while finding strength and connection through them. It’s a reminder that we’re all in this together, navigating life’s challenges.”

Warm-glowing keyboard layers lead us into the “Only Human” experience, followed shortly thereafter by the introduction of a slow-marching drumbeat. This provides the perfect backdrop for a sweet, solemn vocal melody which inspires the listener to look inward. As we progress, hazy guitars come into the mix, helping the tension build to an emotional crescendo reflective of the song’s lyrical and thematic depth.

Soheill has more on deck where this came from, with more singles coming our way throughout the year. If they’re anything like this, count us in!

LISTEN: With ‘Spooky Girl,’ Lips Speak Louder Blasts Off Into 2025

It’s hard to imagine a band getting the year off to a hotter start than Lips Speak Louder just did with their newest single.

The turbo-charged “Spooky Girl” enters the equation with loud, fuzzy guitar riffs and aggressive drums, combining the grit of 90s grunge with the thrilling, rhythm-oriented bombast one might expect from a Queens of the Stone Age record.

“‘Spooky Girl’ is a song about walking the line between carnal fascination and hedonism,” notes vocalist/guitarist Rachel Brandsness. “The opening guitar riff, soaked in fuzz, dictated the direction of the song, which paved the path for the aggressive drums and created the perfect tonal landscape for the lyrics.”

Produced by acclaimed guitarist and songwriter Emily Wolfe, “Spooky Girl” is another offering from the band’s forthcoming album, to be released later this year.

“When we pictured the backdrop of ‘Spooky Girl,’ we envisioned the chase, or cat-and-mouse situation in a dark club with lots of stimulation, sexiness, and eagerness,” drummer Angie Lese adds. “We wanted the music to mimic that driving force, so by design, the song goes hard and doesn’t let up.”

LISTEN: CMAGIC5 is Done with the Fairytales

Finally, a breakup song for those who are done with the fairytales…

CMAGIC5 — rising pop superstar and the 2024 Gussapolooza Heroes of Sound winner for Best Performance — makes a statement to begin 2025 with “Happy Never After,” an angsty pop punk anthem which shatters the love illusions we’ve all convinced ourselves were real.

“I wanted to flip that fairytale ending on its head in a playful, angsty way. Instead of the traditional ‘happily ever after,’ I thought, ‘why not embrace the disaster ending and accept it as part of life? No sugarcoating needed,'” CMAGIC5 said. “So, I created a track that’s a celebratory anthem for moving on from toxic ex-lovers, friends, or bosses—those people who play the role of ‘Prince Charming’ or ‘Romeo,’ but you can foresee the signs and know exactly how that last chapter of the story will end. It’s all about empowering yourself and others to avoid getting hurt again, and walking away before it’s too late.”

“Happy Never After” takes the power back for those left in the wake of a toxic relationship (or situationship. It is 2025, after all). The liberating new single fits well within the landscape of the Canadian artist’s catalog.

“I’d say it’s all about self-empowerment and authenticity,” she said. “I want my music to encourage listeners to embrace their true selves, let go of toxic relationships, and feel confident in moving forward, no matter how messy things might get. There’s always a sense of strength and self-love in everything I write, even when the subject matter is about heartbreak or facing challenges.”

“Happy Never After” was crafted with Juno Award-winning and Grammy-nominated producers/songwriters Ryan Worsley (Dear Rouge, Monowhales), Tavish Crowe (co-writer Carly Rae Jepsen’s Grammy-nominated, Juno Award-winning smash hit, “Call Me Maybe”), and Ryan Stewart (Carly Rae Jepsen, Victoria Duffield, Shawn Desman, Jocelyn Alice, Hedley). Check it out!

NASHVILLE: The ‘Heal Talk’ Experience Arrives Feb. 13

Are you ready to dive deep into the world of healing and self-discovery?

Da’ Healerz — the Heal Hop duo consisting of Lord Goldie and Foundation Mecca — are set to bring The Heal Talk Experience to NECAT (120 White Bridge Pike, Nashville) on Thursday, February 13 from 6-7:30 p.m. This immersive healing experience will be filled with inspiring talks, meaningful connections, live music from Da’ Healerz new Heal Talk EP, and sound healing from Nikki Ray.

The Heal Talk Experience will give attendees the opportunity to participate in group discussions and explore various healing modalities. Whether you are just beginning your healing journey or looking to deepen your practice, this event is designed to support you — every step of the way.

Don’t miss out on this transformative experience. Reserve your spot today and get ready to embark on a journey of self-discovery and healing! Seats are limited, so only RSVP if you can make it!

Rock On: Holiday Tunes and Winter Moods

There’s a certain moodiness to some of the tunes on this month’s edition of Rock On! befitting the time of year. The weather has turned colder, the sun’s light has dimmed, and it’s a perfect time to go inward and reflect. There are quite a few songs here that will give you that opportunity, bookended by holiday cheer.

Of course, there are plenty of high-powered moments, as well. It wouldn’t be the Rock On! playlist if you couldn’t turn it up to 11.

Track listing:
The Mad Sugars – Christmas Wrapping
The Manic Boys and Girls Club – Blacked Out
Glamper – Back Chewer
Josh Gilligan – Anything
Aaron English ft. Francy Planet – Canada
Evan Kreutz – Dandelion
All Poets & Heroes – Dime A Dozen
Harley Olivia ft. Emily Bones – You’re Not Ready
Tell My Sons – Shot In The Dark
Fortunate Losers – Taste
Lips Speak Louder – Dog Days of Summer
Feral Minks – My Escapade
General Mojos ft. Marshall Law Band – change will come
floater. – Half-Life
Doc. Henry – Babyface
KJ Wild – Red Hot Magazine Girl
ROM COM ft. Eliza Harrison Smith – Call You Mine
westwell – Don’t Forget To Leave the Light On
Brother People ft. Bradley Rodermond – It’s a Brand New Day
Shattervox – Home for Christmas

All-Americana: Sounds of the Season (and Any Season)

Sounds of the season have begun to make their way into the fold. In fact, this month’s edition of All-Americana kicks off with a couple of holiday tunes to get you in the spirit.

In addition, we have a healthy offering of new tunes that fit any season, as well as some holdovers from our November compilation. There are gorgeous tones and heartfelt stories throughout, and this one is sure to keep you warm as the winter chill sets in.

Track listing
Andi Jane – You’re a Mean One Mr. Grinch
Meghan VK – Christmas Tradition
David Tucker – Water It Down
Lauren Brabson – Notice
Max McNown – Better Me For You (Brown Eyes)
Amanda Keeley – Better Days
The Gringo Pistoleros – I Can Still Remember When
Lucie Glang and Joe Pope – Little Me
Wyman & the Wolves – Sundowner
Dylan Gerard – Need a Little Downtime
The Rebel Eves – Shake the Ground
Mikki Zip – Somethin’ to Write About
Brittany Bishop – Welcome Home
Chelsey Stallings – Give Him the Reins
Jacob Shipley – Death of Me
Dave Robertson & The Kiss List – The Green Light
Jaden Wright – East Kentucky Lady
Gary Hector – Waitin’ Around to Go Viral
Danny Himes – Las Vegas
John S. Long – Cold Stone

LISTEN: With ‘Two Feet Tall,’ CIAO MALZ Carries the Weight of Unfinished Business

Is there something that you know would make your life better, but for whatever reason, you just can’t bring yourself to pull the trigger and get it done?

If that sounds like a familiar refrain, we have something hazy and wonderful from CIAO MALZ. The Connecticut native — real name Malia DelaCruz — has given us “Two Feet Tall,” an experimental indie rock single about our nagging need to get things done.

“Two Feet Tall is about the feeling of losing an inch every day you put off making that call you really need to make,” DelaCruz said. “It’s the pile of clothes growing bigger and feeling yourself getting smaller. Regardless of the overcompensation, the mountains to hide behind — that unsettling feeling persists. I wanted to evoke the feeling of stagnation while everything else is in motion, so the lead on this track quivers in front of the persistent drums that push the scene along.”

The track’s lo-fi sensibility hangs over a bright, intricately layered soundscape like the weight of half-finished ambitions; the foggy feeling that comes with knowing that better days are ahead — if only we would finally flip the switch.

If you dig this one, we have good news: more music from CIAO MALZ is coming, when she drops her EP, Safe Then Sorry, on December 6.

Safe Then Sorry is a rest stop on the path most traveled. I wrote the bulk of the EP after work, (and) these stories and characters came to me subconsciously and asked to be spoken into existence,” DelaCruz said. “These songs are about the unlikely connections we make, how they’re simultaneously inexplicable and meaningful. I work through these contradictions with unpredictable melodies, explosive choruses, and with the recording process itself. We did everything on the fly to capture as much raw emotion as could fit in the four walls of the basement studio. I wanted the project to feel how it did when I was messing around on GarageBand on my first computer — unrestrained.”

LISTEN: Josh Gilligan Applauds the Courage it Takes to Do ‘Anything’

Photo credit: Emory Brown

There are times in all of our lives when persistence itself is an act of bravery.

Nashville-based songwriter Josh Gilligan offers a comforting commentary on such moments with “Anything,” the first single from his forthcoming album, Party of One (out January 24 via Easy Does It Records).

“I started writing ‘Anything’ to a friend who was going through some pretty dark times. It’s a song that acknowledges the bravery it takes to keep on going, no matter what kind of life you lead,” Gilligan said. “It’s not written to give advice or prescribe anything, but just to extend some calm love and feel the weight and the joy of life together. It’s also the first tune coming out that I live tracked together with the band!”

“Anything” is the opening salvo of the forthcoming record, described as a “somber, yet hopeful collection of songs.” The mellow, shoegaze-y indie rock tune is also part autobiographical, with a relatable message for anybody soldiering through the grind of everyday life.

“I wasn’t expecting to feel so hollowed out after my twenties, and I was wondering if I still wanted to make music. But I felt like I owed it to myself to give it another try, even though in the back of my mind I’m thinking, ‘What can I add to the conversation? Why would anyone want to listen to what I have to say?'” Gilligan recalled. “‘Anything’ came out of that, and it’s been a good message to live with. A lot of people think that if they’re not doing something super ambitious and highly visible, that means they’re doing something wrong or they’re not being brave enough. But, it takes so much bravery to do anything at all.”

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